Amid Manali’s fierce winter, the Anjani Mahadev Temple at 11,000 feet hosts a natural spectacle: a 15-20 foot ice Shivling, self-formed and sacred. Braving sub-zero chills and avalanches of snow, devotees arrive undeterred, transforming peril into pilgrimage.
This ‘mini Amarnath’ captivates with its raw beauty and spiritual potency. Paths fraught with ice demand grit, yet bhakts press on, hearts aflame. A repeat Amarnath visitor calls it his third encounter with ‘Baba Bairnani,’ crediting devotion for overcoming the harsh terrain.
The site’s lore runs deep. Sant Baba Prakash Puri meditated here, and myths reveal Anjani’s prayers answered by Shiva himself for a child’s boon. Priests note the Shivling’s seasonal ritual, appearing mid-December through February, each year amplifying its magnetic pull.
Female devotees share tales of triumph. ‘Hard work to reach, but darshan brings instant bliss. Nothing rivals this natural haven.’ The temple’s allure merges adventure with divinity, drawing crowds that swell annually.
As climate challenges mount, this enduring ice formation underscores nature’s mysteries intertwined with faith. Anjani Mahadev stands as a beacon, where human endurance meets celestial wonder, inspiring all who dare the climb.